The holiday season, a time of joy and celebration, can also bring its share of stress and anxiety. On What She Said, I recently had the pleasure of discussing holiday wellness with Andrea Donsky, representing New Roots Herbal. Andrea shared invaluable insights on how to navigate this festive yet often overwhelming time of year. Here are 10 strategies to help you maintain wellness and joy during the holidays:
Holiday Wellness Strategies to Adopt Today
Get Organized
Andrea emphasizes the importance of organization. Writing down your tasks can make them seem less daunting. Crossing items off a list can provide a sense of accomplishment and reduce stress. Consider using a planner or digital tools to keep track of your holiday preparations. This can include gift shopping, meal planning, and scheduling social events. An organized approach can significantly reduce the mental load and make the holiday season more manageable and enjoyable.
Set Boundaries
Learning to say no is crucial. As Andrea notes, it’s important to commit only to what you can manage, allowing yourself to enjoy the season without being overwhelmed. Setting boundaries might mean declining certain social invitations or choosing not to host an event if it’s too stressful. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and peace of mind during this busy time.
Mindful Breathing
Andrea shared a breathing technique used for her daughter’s basketball team to calm nerves. Inhale twice through the nose, take a third breath in, and exhale for six counts. This stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Practicing this technique daily, especially during moments of stress, can help maintain a sense of calm throughout the holiday season.
Use Essential Oil
Incorporating essential oils in a relaxation routine can be beneficial. Rubbing them behind your ears and down your neck can stimulate nerve endings and help relax the body. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus are known for their calming properties. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser to create a soothing atmosphere in your home.
Prioritize Your Zzzzzs
Andrea stresses the importance of a sleep routine, especially for women over 40. Going to bed before 11 PM, keeping the room cool and dark, and considering melatonin supplements can enhance sleep quality. Establishing a bedtime routine, such as reading or a warm bath, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Good sleep is crucial for maintaining energy levels and mood during the busy holiday period.
Embrace Meditation and Yoga
As a restorative practice, meditation and yoga can bring you back into the moment, reducing holiday stress and improving overall well-being. Even a few minutes of meditation each day can make a significant difference. Yoga, with its focus on breath and movement, can be particularly effective in managing stress and improving physical health.
Incorporate Adaptogens
Andrea recommends adaptogens like holy basil, functional mushrooms, and ashwagandha to help the body cope with stress. Ensure you choose supplements with the right concentration of active ingredients for maximum benefit. Adaptogens work by balancing the body’s stress response, and incorporating them into your diet can support your overall resilience to stress.
Consistent Supplement Use
When using supplements, consistency is key. Follow the recommended dosages and take them as part of your daily routine for the best results. Supplements can be a powerful tool in your wellness arsenal, but they work best when used regularly and in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.
Focus on Nutrition and Lifestyle
A synergistic blend of good nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, and supplements can work together to enhance your wellness during the holidays. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide the energy and nutrients needed to navigate the holiday season.
Long-term Wellness Approach
Remember, managing stress and maintaining wellness is a year-round endeavour, not just for the holiday season. Incorporating these strategies into your daily life can help build resilience and ensure you’re better equipped to handle the stresses of the holiday season and beyond.
This holiday season, let’s take Andrea Donsky’s advice to heart and focus on these wellness strategies. By doing so, we can enjoy a more relaxed, joyful, and healthy holiday experience.
Special thanks to Andrea Donsky for her insights on this important topic. This post is graciously sponsored by New Roots Herbal, committed to providing information and natural solutions for What She Said’s listeners’ health needs. Don’t miss our last article on BPH here.